Cast Iron vs. Nonstick: What's better for cooking? Choosing one over the other can give your food health benefits. It can also make your cooking and cleaning easier because they are made up of different elements and properties.
If you're thinking about cast iron or nonstick, you have to know many distinguishing things about them before making a decision. For example, cast iron is known for its durability. While it can rust, it can also last generations if you take care of it. Nonstick is also a great choice if you like cooking food and not worrying if it will stick to the pan.
This guide looks at the differences between cast iron and nonstick cookware. We give you a full breakdown of how durable, pricey, and healthy they are. We also offer some ideas on what to cook first with either cookware.
How Durable, Pricey, and Healthy Are Cast Iron?
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Iron pig and melting iron ore. You may not think of that when you think of cast iron cookware, but that is the stuff that defines it. Cast iron has lasted for generations and is one of the oldest kinds of metals people cook with. It's also made of steel, limestone, and carbon.
One of the best benefits, when compared to other cookware, is that cast iron does leach any chemicals into your food when you cook with it. Aluminum, on the other hand, does not cook well with acidic food. It gives your food an acidic taste. Cast iron does not do this.
When it comes to health, cast iron also has the benefit of adding a marginal amount of iron into your food. While it's nowhere near the daily supplement you need, it does give you an added health boost whenever you cook with cast iron cookware.
High-quality cast iron can last a lifetime if used properly. That's also why it's so expensive. You'll pay between $100 and $300 for high-quality cast iron cookware. However, you'll also get your money's worth because you won't have to replace it for years like you would with aluminum, nonstick, or stainless steel. Cast iron is designed to last for many years.
However, you also need to make sure you take care of it. The best way to do this is to wash it gently by hand. It would be best to avoid the dishwasher because it can cause excess rusting.
How Durable, Pricey, and Healthy Are Nonstick Cookware?
While cast iron is made with iron ore, nonstick cookware is made with Teflon. This substance prevents foods from sticking to the pots and pans. For example, if you made eggs in a nonstick pan, the eggs are unlikely to stick because of the Teflon in that pan.
Cast iron can last a lifetime, but nonstick cookware is only designed to last a few years. This is because the Teflon gets worn down. You will need to replace your nonstick cookware after a few years.
While there are some concerns about cooking with Teflon, today's nonstick cookware is entirely safe if you don't cook above 500 degrees. It would be best to always cook on medium to low heat with nonstick cookware. You should also avoid metal kitchenware on the nonstick pots and pans because it can scrape off the Teflon, ruining your nonstick cookware. If you prevent these things, nonstick pans are healthy and safe to use when you cook anything.
Regarding price, nonstick cookware is generally more affordable than cast iron. This could be because it's not as durable. However, higher-quality nonstick can range between $50 and $500, depending on how many things are included in the set.
Cast Iron vs. Nonstick: What's Better for Cooking?
The cast iron and nonstick both have benefits to consider. There are certain foods that are best with them, which can influence which one you should get.
For example, these are the best foods to cook with a cast iron.
- Thick Cut Steak
- Bacon
- Cornbread
These are the best foods to cook in a nonstick.
- Cheesy food
- Seafood
- Eggs
Cast Iron vs. Nonstick: What's Better for the Kitchen?
Deciding between a cast iron and a nonstick is a difficult choice because they both offer unique benefits. If you want durability, choose the cast iron. If you love cooking food that doesn't stick, then choose the nonstick cookware.
Overall, knowing how both work, how they can cook your food, and what health benefits they offer can give you better insight into your decision. Either way, you'll discover that either one of them cook delicious food at an exceptional level.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©AS Foodstudio/Shutterstock.com.